On the evening of May 12, 2025, three teenage males were arrested by the Seattle Police Department following an armed robbery at a North Seattle mini-mart. The incident, which took place around 10:00 p.m. in the 12200 block of Aurora Avenue North, involved a brazen theft and the use of a firearm, culminating in a high-risk police pursuit and the recovery of a stolen shotgun.
According to authorities, the suspects—all 16 years old—entered the convenience store and stole multiple boxes of condoms. During the theft, a store manager attempted to confront the suspects outside the store. At that point, one of the teens, acting as a getaway driver, brandished a firearm and aimed it at the employee in a threatening manner to facilitate their escape.
Seattle police officers quickly responded to the scene and broadcast descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle over police radio. The Community Response Group located the suspect vehicle shortly after and attempted a felony traffic stop. However, instead of complying, the driver of the vehicle reversed and intentionally rammed into a patrol car. This prompted officers to employ a pursuit intervention technique (PIT maneuver) to forcibly stop the vehicle and prevent further danger to the public.
All three male suspects were taken into custody without further incident. Also present in the vehicle were three underage female passengers, aged 15 to 16, who were detained at the scene and later released to guardians after questioning. A loaded shotgun was found inside the car during a search, which was later confirmed to have been reported stolen from Snohomish County. The vehicle itself was impounded by police for further forensic processing and evidence collection.
The three teen suspects were booked into juvenile detention on multiple charges. All were charged with armed robbery, while two also face charges related to the illegal possession of a stolen firearm. No injuries were reported in the incident, but authorities emphasized the dangerous nature of the suspects’ actions, particularly the use of a firearm during the commission of a robbery and the deliberate collision with a police unit.
Seattle Police have not released the names of the suspects due to their juvenile status. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to work with Snohomish County officials regarding the stolen weapon.
This armed robbery in North Seattle highlights ongoing concerns about youth involvement in violent crime, as well as the dangers associated with stolen firearms circulating through communities. Police urge anyone with further information about this case to contact Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes tip line.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the quick escalation that can occur during retail thefts, especially when firearms are involved. The swift response and coordination by SPD’s patrol officers and Community Response Group were instrumental in ensuring public safety and securing the arrest of the involved suspects.
